Despite tinder conditions paired with a scorching forecast, a suggestion to close a popular provincial park is being doused.
“This seems to come forward every dry year that we support the closure of Kal Park,” said Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick.
B.C. Parks has asked that no one smoke in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park and it is monitoring the situation. But a public request to take it one step further and close the park isn’t being entertained by council.
“Right now we’re comfortable with Parks’ decision,” said Garlick. “There should be no smoking in there or any activities that could cause a fire. It’s a real concern.”
Keeping people in the park could also aid response times to any incidents.
“Most people have a phone and it’s much easier to notice something (a fire) than if there is nobody there,” said Kiss, who frequents the park almost daily and says most people use it very responsibly.
The fact that residents and visitors have to be warned not to bring sources of ignition into the park has some baffled.
“I’m actually just amazed that we have to tell people not to smoke in the park,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane.